Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'wants to add two clubs to Manchester United's network'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 10 November 2023

Ratcliffe 'wants to add two clubs to Man United's network'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to add two clubs to Manchester United's network within one to two years of his arrival at Old Trafford, according to a report.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants to add two clubs to Manchester United's network within one to two years of his arrival at Old Trafford.

The 71-year-old's deal to purchase 25% of the 20-time English champions is expected to be confirmed over the November international break, with the British billionaire expected to take over the sporting department at the club.

A recent report claimed that Ratcliffe is planning to develop a multi-club model at Man United which can rival the one put together by Manchester City.

As it stands, the Red Devils are missing out on a host of Under-18 talent due to the rules involving Brexit, and Ratcliffe allegedly has plans to take over smaller clubs abroad to help them develop young players.

INEOS and Ratcliffe already own French outfit Nice and Swiss team Lausanne Sport, and the two clubs could allegedly be used as part of a wider network moving forward.

Nice owner Jim Ratcliffe before the match on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

According to Football Insider, Ratcliffe has plans to add two more clubs to the network, with the Brit preparing to make 'huge changes' to the current set-up at Old Trafford.

Despite initially only coming in at 25%, Ratcliffe allegedly has plans to complete a gradual takeover, although there have been no indications of how that would look in practice.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the founder and owner of INEOS has recently been holding video calls with Man United co-chairman Joel Glazer to discuss the strategic changes that he wants to make.

The report claims that Ratcliffe has spoken to the Americans about making personnel changes, as he is believed to want to bring in his own team to run the football department.

Ineos chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrives for the annual Red Cross Gala in Monte Carlo on July 18, 2022 © Reuters

As a result, the jobs of the club's chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough are believed to be at risk.

However, Ratcliffe allegedly has no plans to remove Erik ten Hag from his managerial role despite the team's struggles during the early stages of the campaign.

Man United have already lost nine times in all competitions this term, but Ratcliffe is said to be confident that Ten Hag will be able to turn the season around in the coming months.

The 20-time English champions will be bidding to bounce back from their 4-3 loss to Copenhagen in the Champions League when they host Luton Town in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Jonny Evans has been ruled out due to the problem that he suffered against Copenhagen, while Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Jadon Sancho will also be absent.